Contents Placare, Christe, servulis
O Christ, be Reconciled to Thy Servants
OmnesSancti


The original form of this hymn is Christe, Redemptor omnium and is attributed to Rabanus Maurus (776-856). In the interest of conforming to classical models, Pope Urban VIII revised Maurus' hymn giving the form below. Only line 22 remain unaltered, so in reality this hymn ought to be considered as a hymn distinct from Christe, Redemptor omnium. Placare Christe Servulis is used in the Roman Breviary as a hymn for Matins and Vespers for the Feast of All Saints (Nov. 1). With the reform of the Liturgy of the Hours, the original form of the hymn, Christe, Redemptor omnium, has been restored for the feast.

PLACARE, Christe, servulis,
quibus Patris clementiam
tuae ad Tribunal gratiae
patrona Virgo postulat.
TO Thy poor servants reconciled
show mercy, Christ, for whom the mild
and Virgin Patroness this grace
implore before Thy Father's face.
Et vos, beata per novem
distincta gyros agmina,
antiqua cum praesentibus,
futura damna pellite.
Ye glorious hosts, whose circle nine
before God's throne refulgent shine,
shield us with your celestial arms
from past, present, and future harms.
Apostoli cum Vatibus,
apud severum Iudicem
veris reorum fletibus
exposcite indulgentiam.
Apostles with the Prophets plead
for weeping sinners in their need,
that from their Judge severe they gain
pardon, effacing guilt's dark stain.
Vos, purpurati Martyres,
vos, candidati praemio
confessionis, exsules
vocate nos in patriam.
Ye purpled martyrs, you, now dressed
in white because your lives confessed
your Lord on earth, us exiles call
unto the fatherland of all.
Chorea casta Virginum,
et quos eremus incolas
transmisit astris, Caelitum
locate nos in sedibus.
O choir of virgins, stainless band!
and ye for whom the desert-land
made sure the way to heavenly rest,
prepare us mansions with the blest.
Auferte gentem perfidam
credentium de finibus,
ut unus omnes unicum
ovile nos Pater regat.
The race perfidious expel
from regions where the faithful dwell;
let one sole shepherd be our guide,
all Christians in one fold abide.
Deo Patri sit gloria,
Natoque Patris unico;
Sancto simul Paraclito,
in sempiterna saecula.
Glory, O Father! to Thy name;
eternal Son, to Thine the same;
to Holy Paraclete be praise
throughout the everlasting days.

Latin from Roman Breviary, English from Catholic World, Vol XXXII, 1880


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